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WE GO WHERE DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES POINT THE WAY; WHEN THEY CEASE TO liar,
Aa" ro LEAD, WE CEASE TO FOLLOW.
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T li Jl S. -v., nv.vBi-unvopam. ui the final UispoM-
rUOl'VTALYSi:XTXKL" is publish- " ma,Jc' of thcst: w hvc ial informa-
' "tSS4" 1Cr 1 1Ud; " tL? result of this illegal
.ana,,, i-avab half f,.r a shorter nHaicd expedition. Thus, thoughtless
., Biil.scnpt.un will I't. wkeniora snor (jUlis ,11(,u L L induced bv fd , 1
od t.,uisiu;ont s; am no paper -will be lwst Ilta, tit ttw of
jibC'.-ii t i ii u'.-a i . j " " t ' -uice at the expira- tU"r nlltr ron-h rash aud unfounded ex
wlure o n-tity a discontinuance at me expir.i 1t.ct.,tK,lia oI assisting to accomi.lish l.oliLie-.l
.- .i. . ...r,.. suhsoritod tor. Will be COIiSld- f ... . "Ccompiis.l political
.... ..t t in? term si
!reJ us a new en ira cement.
EV- iDVEUTl.'iKMKXTS Tll be inserted
i tlieMlowiug rates: 50 cents per square for
tht tirst insertion: To cents for two insertions;
$1 for three insertions ; and 2-3 cents per square
fur err rv subsequent insertion. A liberal reduc
tion made to those who advertise by the year.
All advertisements handed in must have the
proper number of insertions marked thereon,
.rtliey will be published until forbidden, and
Ln:eJ in accordance with the above terms.
11 letters and communications to injure
iCiintion must Oe furl lhim. -i. . aju-t .
PRESIDENT'S
F:l'vU-citiZ:H3 of the S:IUlte
and of the JIuus: vf R-jrat ntalives :
;.rtime, tlireateueU to disturb the lraternai j
relations which make us one people, is fast sub- J
i Jmg; and a year of general prosperity and j
htulili Las crowned the nation with unusual .
tussings. ctle can look back to the dangers j
Kiiich are passed, or forward to the bright pros- j
..... - .1
pxt before us, without feeling a thrill of gratifi
cation, at tbe same time that he must be im
jreijcd with a grateful sense of our profound
vblii."itiuns to a beneficent Providence, whose
jattrmil cure is so manifest in the happiness of
Ui liib'li!y-lavored land. J
Suae the close of the laet Congress, certain j
Culms and other foreigners resident in the j
U.ted States, h-Imj were more or less concerned j
;a tic previous invasion of Cuba, instead of be-
it; vJiscouragcd b- it failure, have again abused j
Luspitahty of this Country, Ly making it the
nxuc ol tu equipment ot another military ex-p-iitioU
against tLvt possession of her Catholic
fa'j'jsiy, iu Lk-li they were countenanced,
:irl ai. 1 jvine-i l,y citizens of the United States.
Vu rvcciTiug intelligence that such desisns were
vttirLiiacd, I lost no time iu issuing such in
tructiciis to tbe r: per ofiiccrs of tbe United
itia as seemed to be called for by the occa
ua. bv the prochtination, a copy of which is
irr:iUi submitted, 1 also warned those who
fciclu be iu danger ot T:nB inveigled Into this
scheme of its uuVawral character, a,iid of tbe
ptDalties wbioh tUy wouM ineur. For some
iJht there was reason to hope that theso tnea
t'.rii bad suL'tced to .rcvent any such attempt.
Tins Lope, however, j-roved to Le delusive,
ttrr carlv in the- nii,riiin. ,.r i ,.r ..
ut, a steamer called the I'ampero departed
fr-'ui -New Orleans for Cuba, having on board
. ...... vt . .. . l li 1 1 Ll ol ;IU-
pwwaa ol lour hundred armed men, with evi
Jtut iLUatious to make war ujn the authorities
tiie island. This espeditiou was set on foot
u ri:r...l 1 . .t . .......
- icifs vi in c imivu
tutes. Its leader was a Spaniard, and several
tae chief oncers, and some others engaged
tit "try Lrtigncrs. The persons composing
UuwcTer, were mostly citizens of the United
leS.
Efore Uio expeditiou set out, and probably
tt.urt u was organized, a slight insurrectionary
alueat, which lit.r.irs t.i lnr l.,m
I I ' - - " w wt i.u CVVH
... - . "ce"""-1' v ,
.juuU ol it published in this emmfrv tl..t
, . . I .
Jfe fcdveuturers seem to have been led to be
te that the Creole population of the island not
K'J desired to throw otf the authority of the
er country, but had resolved upon that step,
i Lai beguu a well-concerted enterprise for
-xtiug it. Tlio persons engaged in the expe--H'U
were generally young and ill-informed,
iieainer in which they embarked left iev
stealthily and without a clearance.
; toucmngat Key nest, she proceeded to
t -A-e mam body of them proceeded to, an
--S10U of an inland village, six league
.'it, leaving others to follow in charge of th
d
ues
he
mam body, and Laving proceeded about four
1 couutrJ. were attacked on the
-ulilUe Uxk b a of Spanish troops,
ut fiftr f VkpU of Jisciabarcation, where
!M th "Stained boats and re-em-Ite-l
aaertI0' TIljr wcre .kWCTert inter-
PwiJi stef, k-ey3 near the shorc R
rK ,rm-iluS on coast, capturc-4
bof .ana an after being ex-
WL- ,,, - ., a '"wury court, were sentenced
C4rried !a.exe-ute''t and the sentence w asJ
11. on the lr.ti. r.r
Ccmo.'0re f 'niuraUon of w hat h;vl occurred,
fraceMin ti llA'1su'ker was instructed
: .e "eam-frigate Saranac to Ha-
txZ .T10 the th;u"Scs against the
tt7 were t v Clrcumstances under which
,lieir trial ar I RB'1 wnatsoever referred to
ton from .1 etitcce. Copies of the instruc
'jf fctte! ,P3rtment ttate to Lim, and
mitte-l, department, are herewith
fcPRsoLer,t0..therccorJof the examination,
Saat them ltea bffence barged
'L At ling hostile invaders of the
' teain br 1 U,me of their trial execution
making J of tLe invaders -was still in the
Sparm.!,0 UPQ the Spanish authorities
S ub-ects- After the lapse of some
iUr.Jf O.vtrcome by the Spanish troops,
l4er I a lhe 24th of August; Lopez,
Utctd on'.ra3,Cai'turcJ 801116 daJ3 after
inino ? 1, lst of September. Many of Lis
Itix.t I.un,-'Wfers were killed, or died ofhun.
Of tL U' aU1 the rCBt vere Iuatle l'ris
'rtInited Dne ll'car to have been tried
M t,lir-"eTc.ral ot" tbem were pardoned
' Wen ene hundred and eixty in num-
I congratulate vou and our common coustitu- j l'ra; ad ow in conhnement in Spain ; but
tut J upon the favorable aupiccs under which i u ls t0 bc ilol d ll-ut such interposition with the
vju meet for your first session. Our country is i government of that country may not be cou-
-,ri. ..ll ..rl, I TI.b i"T.,r;...i ! tidered as uHordin anv i'rciiiii.1 ..f .vtw...!-..r;....
ue ci.'u.t ..r ...i... .i - i . . .. i
J" ' uu4. uiiu. on lilt' rtttriir t T r c t-1 i in . i . .- c 7
-wiaan l'tn 01 August landed tlif r.rc....a .,1, 1 1 num iue territory or
flatriaytas, ftL n abou ited States, begin, or set
ILTana. ie..0ucs un foot, or provide, or prepare the means for
'.1. ' e-- 1 tuat 11 an v r,ir..? ul,.. 11 -i.i... .1 . ... -.
1
c-Ti V' 1 as thc me;ln oi transportation
JUe uLtiuned. The latter, having taken up
r Ue f marc!. t.- i ..
revolutions iu otucr States, j.i.. I...,
.... , 7 - 1 liJI.
their lives m the undertaking. Too severe, a
judgment can hardly be passed, by rhe indignant
sense of the community, upon those who, being
better informed themselves, have yet led away
the ardor of youth and an ill-directed love of
political liberty. The correspondence between
this Government and that ot Spain relating to
this transaction is herewith communicated.
Although these offenders ugainst
the laws
nave ioneucd tue protection ot th
X-tt l. ,. I 1 . - .
eir country,
.j. .u eminent may, so lar as is consistent
with its obligations to other countries, audits
hied j urpoae to uiaintaiii and enforce the laws,
entertain sympathy lor their unoffending fami
lies and Iriciids, as veil as a feeling of compas
sion for themselves. Accordingly, no proper
ciiort has been spared, and umViil be spared,
to procure the release of such citizens of the
'v uuiuuuvui mc LniteU tetates will,
boreal ter, leci itself under any obligation of duty
lo intercede K r the liberation or pardon of such
l eisons as ire liagrant oiiendeis against the
w of nations ana tne laws of the Lnited States.
f bese laws must Le executed. It we desire to
tii..r rt... t!...- . .- -i i- . .
maintain our
rcspcciaoiUty amonr the nations
ol the earth, ii ochoves us to enioice sleauily
and sternly the neutrality acts passed by Con
:iess, ana io loilow,
ns lar as luuy Le. the viu-
mtiou ol those acts with condign punishment.
nui nuai iu-s a peculiar criminality to this
invasion ol Cuba is, that under the lead of
Spanish subjects and with the aid of citizens of
Lnited oiatvs, it had its origin, with inanv,
motives of cupidity. Money was r.dv.-nic-t'il
0" individuals, i robaoJy in considerable amounts
to purcnase Luoan bonds, as they have been 1
caned, issued by Lopez, Sold, doubtless, at u ;
very iaige uiseouut, and for the payment of j
which tne pubde binds and public property of
Cuba, ot wnatevei- kind, and the liscal resources i
ot the people and government of that island,
Irom wnaicver source to be derived, were j
pledged, as wed as the good faith ot the govern- j
n.eiii expected to be established. An these !
means oi payment, it is evident, were only to be 1
ooiamed oy a process of bloodshed, war, and
revolution. v.ouC i.i deny that those who sci
on loot military expeditions against foreign
StAies by means like these, are lar more culpa
ble than the iguoraut and the necessitous whom
they mduce to go lorth as the ostensible parties
in the proceeding. These originators of the in
vasion ol Cuha seem to have determined, with
coolness and system, upon an undertaking which
should disgrace their countiy, violate its laws,
and put to hazard the lives of ill-informed and
deluded men. ou w ill consider whether further
. . iw oousivier wuvtuer iuriner
islatiou be necessary to prevent the perpetra
u of such otlences in future.
leg
nou. oi caiii oueuees in luture
-Nu individuals have a right to hazard the
peace ot the country or to violate its laws upon
vague notions of altering or reforming govern
ments in other States. This principle is not
only reasonable iu itself, and in accordance with
public law, but is engrafted into the codes ot
other nations as well as our own. L'ut while
iiUtdi are tliu ...... ...... ..-.-.. ..
cioua uiiaiUBl Uli:iutlinri7o.l . i. 1
togeiner to attack them. The Government of
the Lmted States,at aU times since its establish
ment, has abstained and has bought to restrain
the citizens of the country, from entering into
controversies betw een other powers, and to ob
serve all the duties of neutrality. At an early
lr w . tmment, iu the administration
ot Washington, several laws were passed for this
purpose. Ihe main provisions of theee laws
were re-enacted -by the act of April, 1818, by
, i luuaia Liauuou
nuicii, amongst other thin.-, it. ,, ,iu,i,P,i
any military expedition
ned on Irom thence against the territory or do
minion of any foreign prince or State, or of any
colony, district, or people with w horn the United
States are at peace, every person so offending
fchall be deemed guilty of a high demeanor, and
shall be find, rio exceeding three thousand dol
lars, and imprisoned not more than three years;
and this law has been executed and enforced, to
the full extent of the pow er of thc Government,
from that day to this.
In proclaiming and adhering to thc doctrine
of neutrality and non intervention, the United
States have not followed the lead of the civilized
ntfTwas ; they have taken the lead themselves,
and have been followed by others. This was
admitted by one of the most eminent of modern
British statesmen, who said in Parliament,
while a minister of the crown, "that, if Le
wished for a guide in a system of neutrality, Le
should take that hud down by America in the
days of Washington and the "secretaryship of
Jefferson ;" and we see, in fact, that the act of
Congress of 1S18 was followed, the succeeding
year, by an act of the Parliament of England,
substantially the same iu its general provisions.
Up to that time there Lad been 110 similar law
in England, except certain highly penal statutes
passed in the reigu of George II, prohibiting
English subjects from enlisting in foreign ser
vice, the avowed object of which statutes was,
that foreign armies, raised for the purpose of
restoring the house of Stuart to the throne
should not be strengthened by recruits from
England herself.
All must see that difficulties may arise in car
rying the laws referred to into execution in a
country now having three or four thousand miles
of sea coast, with an infinite number of ports
and harbors and small inlets, from some of which
unuwlul expeditions may suddenly set forth,
without the knowledge of Governrnvut, against
the possessions of foreign States.
Friendly relations with all, but entangling al
liances with none, has long been a maxim with
us. Our true mission is not to propagate our
opinions, or impose upn other countries our
Msm. urn
fomi of government, by artifice or force; but to
teach by example, and chow bv our success,
moderation and justice, the blessings of self
government, and the advantages of free institu
tions. Let every people choose for itself, -and
make and alter its political institutions to suit
its own condition and couvenienco. 15 ut. while
we avow and maintain this neutral policy our
selves, w e are anxious to see the same forbear
ance on the part of other nations, who 4V.r:nR
of government are different from our ow. The
uivp i a teres t w nicii we ict i in the spread of
liberal principles and the establishment of free
governments, and the sympathv with w hich we
witness every struggle against oppression, forbid
that we should be inditiereiit to a case in which
the strong arm of a foreign pow er is invoked to
stiHe public sentiment and repress the spirit of
freedom in any country.
The governments of Great Uritain and France
have issued orders to their naval commanders
on the West India station to prevent by force,
if necessary, the landing of adventurers from
any nation on the island of Cuba with hostile
intent. The copy of u memorandum of a con
versation on this subject between the Charge
d'AlIaires of her Britannic Majesty and the
Acting Secretary of State, and of a subsequent
note of the former to the Department of State,
are herewith submitted, together with a copv of
a note of the Acting Secretary of State to'the
Minister of the French republic, and of the re
ply of the latter, on the t same subject. These
papers will acquaint you with the grounds of
this interposition of the two leading commer
cial powers of Europe, and with the apprehen
sions which this government could not fail to
entirtain, that such interposition, if carried into
clicct, might lead to abuses in derogation of the
maratime rights of the L'intr-,1 nUw ti.
maraumo rights of the United States are foun-
ded on u firm, secure, and well-defined basis; I
they stand upon the ground of National hide- j
pendcuce and public law, ami will be maintained i
in ali their full and just extent.
ine prmcipie which this Government lias
l.erctolore solemidv annrmnf-il ir t;n o. i
to, and will maintain under all rirr ni.,etn..c
eres
and at all hazards. That r.rineir.ln i tl.at. ...
ev try
ry regularly documented merchant vessel,
crew who navigate it, and those on board of
the
it, will cud their protection in the iia" which i
over them. o American ship can be allowed i
to be visited or searched for the urpose of as- I
certaiuing the character of individuals on board,
nor can there be allowed any watch by the ves
sels of any foreign nation over American vessels'!
on thc coasts of the United States or the seas f
..'ijaviiii meieio. 11 win oe seen bv the last 1
communication from the British Charge d' Aff
aires to the Department of State, that he is au
UwrL(.td 10 assur the secretary of State that
every care will be taken that, in executing the
preventive measures against the expeditions,
which the United States Government itself has
denounced as not being entitled to the protection
of any government, no interference shall take
place with the lawful commerce of any nation.
In addition to the correspondence on this sub
ject, herewith submitted, orhcial information has
been received at the Department of State, of
assurances by the Freuch government that, in
the orders given to the French naval forces,
they were expressly instructed, in any operations
they might engage in, to respect the Hag of the
United States wherever it might appear, and to
commit no act of hostility upon any vessel or
armament under its protection.
Ministers and consuls of foreign nations are
the means and agents of communication between
us and those nations, and it is of the utmost im
portance that, while redding in the country,
they should feel a perfect security so long as
they faithfully discharge their respective duties
and are guilty of no violation of our laws. This
is thc admitted law of nations, ami no country
has a deeper interest iu maintaining it than the
United States Our commerce spreads over
every sea and visits every clime, and our minis
ters and consuls are appointed to protect the
interests of that commerce, as well as to guard
the peace of the country and maintain the honor
of its flag. Put how can they discharge these
duties unless they be tLemselves protected; and,
if protected, it must be by thc law s of the coun
try in which they reside. And what is due to
our own public functionaries residing iu foreign
nations is exactly the measure cf what is due to
the functionaries of other governments residiug
here. As in war, the bearers of flags of truce
are sacred, or else wars would be interminable,
so iu peace, embassadors, public ministers, and
consuls, charged with friendly national inter--course,
are objects of especial respect and pro
tection, each according to the rights belonging
to his rank and station. In view of these im
portant principles, it is with deep mortification
and regret I announce to you that, during the
excitement growing out of the executions at
Havana, the office of her Catholic majebty's con
sul at New Orleans was assailed by a mob, his
property destroyed, the Spanish flag found in
the office carried off and torn in pieccs, and he
himself induced to fieo for his personal safety,
which he supposed to be in danger. On re
ceiving intelligence of these events. 1 forthwith
directed the attorney of thc United States resi
ding at New Orleans to inquire into the facts and
the extent of the pecuniary loss sustained by thc
consul, with the intention of laying them before
you, that you might make provision for such in
demnity to Lim as a just regard for thc honor of
the nation and the respect which is due to a
friendly power might, in your judgment, seem
to require. The correspondence unon this sub
ject between the Secretary of State and her
i-nti,r,t; . . . .
vanwno mujeoij 3 minister pieiupoten tiary is
herewith transmitted.
Thc occurrence at New Orleans lias led me to
give my attention to the btate of our laws in re
gard to foreign embassadors, ministers, and con
suls. 1 think thc legislation of the country is
deficient in not providiug sufficiently either for
the protection or thc punishment of consuls. I
therefore recommend the subject to the considera
tion of Congress.
Your attention is again invited to the question
of reciprocal trade between the United States
and Canada and other British possessions near
our frontier. Overtures for a convention upon
this subject have beeu received from her Britan
nic Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary, but it
seems to be in many respects preferable that the
matter should be regulated by reciprocal legis
lation. Documents arc laid before you showing
thc terms which the British government is wil
ling to offer, and the measures which it may
M II, 1051
adopt, if some arrangement upon this subject
shall nt Le made.
F.tjtc accompanying copy of a note from
the British Legation at Washington, and the re
ply of the Department of State thereto, it will
appear that her Britannic Majesty's government
is desirous that a part of the boundary line be
tween Oregon and the British possessions should
be authoritatively marked out, and that an in
tention was pressed to apply to Congress for
an approrrii.troa td defrny the expense thereof
on part of the Uni.ed States. Your attention
to this subject is accordingly invited, and a pro
per appropriation recommended.
A convention for the adjustment cf claims of
citizens of the United States against Portugal
ha? been concluded, and the ratifications have
been exchanged. The first instalment of the
amount to be paid by Portugal fell due on the
COth of September last, and has beeu paid.
The President of the French republic, accord
ing to the provisions of the convention, has been
selected as arbiter iu the case of the General
Armstrong; and has signified that he accepts
the trust and the high satisfaction he feels' in
acting as the common friend of two nations,
with which France is united by sentiments of
sincere and lasting amity.
The Turkish government has expressed its
thanks for the kind reception given to the Sul
tan's agent, Amin Bey, on the occasion of his
recent visit to the United States. On the 2Sth
of February last a despatch was addressed by
the Secretary of State to Mr. Marsh, the Amer
ican Minister at Constantinople, instructing him
to ask of the Turkish government permission
for the Hungarians, then imprisoned within thc
dominions of the Sublime Porte, to remove to
this country. On the Gd of March last both
Houses of Congress passed a resolution request
ing the President to authorize the employment
of a public vessel to convey to this country Louis
Kossuth and his associates in captivity.
The instruction above referred to was com
plied with, and the Turkish government having
released Governor Kossuth and his companions
from prison, on the 10th of September last they
embarked on board of the United States steam
frigate Mississippi, which was selected to carry
into effect the resolution of Congress. Governor
Kossuth left the Mississippi at Gibraltar, for the
purpose of making a visit to England, and may
shortly Le expected in New York. By commu
nications to the Department of State he has ex
pressed his grateful acknowledgments for tbe
interposition of this Government in behalf of
himself and hi3 associates. This country has
been justly regarded as a safe asylum for those
whom political events have exiled from their
own home in Europe; and it is recommended
to Congress t consider in w-L&t inai.nci- tiovcr
nor Kossuth and his companions, brought hither
by its authority, shall be received aud treated, j
It is earnestly to be honed that the differences '
which have for some time past been pending be
tween the government of the French republic
ana mat ol tne tandwicn islands, may be peace
ably and durably adjusted, so as to secure the
independence of those islands. Long before thc
events which have of late imparted so much im
portance to the possessions of the United States '
on the Pacific, we acknowledged the independ
ence of the Hawaiian government. This Gov
ernment was first in taking that step, and seve
ral of the leading powers of Europe immediately !
follow ed. We were influenced in this measure i
by the existing and prospective importance of i
the islands as a place of refuge and refreshment j
for our vessels engaged in the whale fishery, and '
by the consideration that they lie in the coune j
of the great trade which must, at no distant '
day, be carried on between the western coast of ,
North America and Eastern Asia. j
AVe were also influenced by a desire that those '
islands should not pass under the control of any
other great maritime State, but should remain
in an independent condition, and so be accessible
and useful to thc commerce of all nations. I
need not say that the importance of these con
siderations has been greatly enhanced by the
sudden developemcnt which the interests of the
United States have attained in California and
Oregon; and the policy heretofore adopted in
regard to those islands will be steadily pursued.
It is gratifying not only to those who consider
the commercial interests of nations, but also to
nil who favor the progress of knowledge and thc
diffusion of religion, to see a community emerge
from a cavage state and attain such a degree of
civilization in thoe distant seas.
It is much to be deplored that the internal
tranquility of the Mexican republic should again
be seriously disturbed; for, cince the peace be
tween that republic and the United States, it J
had enjoyed such comparative repose that the
most favorable anticipations for the future might,
with a degree of confidence, have been indulged.
These, however, have been thwarted by the re
cent outbreak in the State of Tamaulipa;, en
the right bank of the Ilio Bravo. Having re
ceived information that persons from the United
States had taken part in the insurrection, aud
apprehending that their example might be fol
lowed by others, I caused orders to be issued
for the purpose of preventing any hostile expe
ditions against Mexico from being set on foot in
violation of the laws of the United States. I
likewise issued a proclamation upon the subject,
a copy of which is herewith laid before yon.
This appeared to be rendered imperative by the
obligations of treaties and the general duties of
good neighborhood.
In my last annual message I informed Congress
that citizens of the United States had undertaken
the connexion of the two oceans iy means of a
railroad across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, tin
der a grant of the Mexican government to a citi
zen of that republic; and that this enterprise
would probably be prosecuted with energy when
ever Mexico should consent to such stipulations
with the Government of the United States as
should impart a feeling of security to those who
should invest their piopertyin the enterprise.
A convention between the two governments
for the accomplishment of that end has been
ratified by this Government, and only awaits the
decision of the Congress and tho Executive of
that republic.
Some unexpected difficulties and delays have
arisen in the ratification of that convention by
Mexico, but it is to be presumed that her deci
sion will be governed by just and enlightened
views, as welt of the general importance of the
object, as of her own interests and obligations.
In negotiating upon this important subject,
this Government has had in view one, and only
one, object. That object Lag been, and is, the
construction or attainment of a passage from
ocean to ocean, thc shortest and the best for
travellers and merchandise, and equally open
to all the world. It has sought to obtain no
territorial acquisition, nor any advantages pecu
liar to itself; and it would see, with the greatest
regret, that Mexico should oppose any obstacle
to the accomplishment of an enterprise which
promises so much convenience to the whole
commercial world, and such eminent advanta
ges to Mexico bsrself. Impressed with these
sentiments and these convictions the Government
will continue to exert all proper efforts to bring
about tie necessary arrangement with the re
public of Mexico for the speedy completion of
the work.
For some months past the republic of Ikrar
agua has beeu the theatre of one of those civil
convulsions, from w hich the cause of free insti
tutions, and the general prosperity and social
progress of the States of Central America, have
so often and so severely suflered. Until quiet
shall have been restored, and a government ap
parently stable shall have beeu organized, no
advance can prudently be niado in disposing of
the ir estions pending between the tw o countries.
I am happy to announce that an inter-oceanic
communi'uition from the mouth of the St. John
to the Pacific has been so far accomplished as
that passengers have actually traversed it and
merchandise has been transported over it ; and
when the canal shad have been completed, ac
cording to the original plan, the means of com
munication will be further improved.
It is understood that a considerable part of
the railroad across thc Isthmus of Panama has
been completed, and that thc mail nd passen
gers will ia future be conveyed thereon.
AVhichever f the several routes between the
two oceans may ultimately prove most eligible
for travellers to and from the different States on
the Atlantic aud Gulf of Mexico and our coast
on the Pacific, there is little renson to doubt
tLat all of thein will be useful to thc public, and
will liberally reward that individual enterprise,
by which alone they have beeu or are expected
to be carried into effect.
Peace has been concluded between the con
tending parties in the Island of St. Domingo,
and it is hoped upon a durable basis. Such is
the extent of our commercial relations with that
island, that the United States cannot fail to feel
a strong interest in its tranquility.
The office of Commissioner to China remains
unfilled? several persons have been appointed,
aud the place has been offered to others, all of
whom have declined its acceptance, ou the
ground of the inadequacy of the compensation.
The annual allowance ly Law is six thousand
dollars, and there is no p rovision for any outfit.
1 earnestly recommend the Consideration of this
subject to Congress. Our commerce with China
is highly important, and. is becoming more aud
more so, iu consequence of the increasing in
tercourse between our ports on thc Pacific coast
and Eastern Asia. China is understood to be a
country in which living is very expensive, and
I know of uo reason why the American Com
missioner sent thither should not be placed, iu
regard to comjensation, on an equal footing
with ministers who represent this country ut
the courts of Europe.
By reference to thc Report of the Secretary
of the Treasury, it will be seen that thc aggre
gate receipts for the last fiscal year amounted
to $3:!,31:VJ79 S7; which, with the balance in
the Treasury on the lst July, ISoO, gave, us
the available means for the year, the sum of
5b,017,5l'4 CG.
The total expenditures for the same period
were $4K,OU"vb7S jS:
The total imports for the year ending 3th June,
18-31, were J1-3,7l'j,.'J.3
Of which there were in Epecic 4,yU7,UUl
The exports for the same period
were $217,317,130
Of which there were of
domestic products 178,540,5-35
For'u goods reexported 9,738,i95
Specie 2'J,ti:iI,SbO
-21 7,517,1:50
Since the 1st of December last the payments
in cash on account of the public debt, exclusive
of interest, have amounted to iJ7,5Ul,4d( 6(3;
which, however, includes the sum of ?o,242,4CU
paid under the 12th article of the treaty with
Mexico, and the further sum of $2,5. 1,2 13 43,
being the amount of the awards to American
citizens under thc late treaty with Mexico, for
which the issue of stock was anthoriscd, but
which was paid in cash from the Treasury.
The public debt on the 2mh ultimo, exclusive
ef the stock authorized to be issued to Texas
by the act of Vth September, was SU2,-'
5oO,3U5 2(3. j
The receipts for the next fiscal year are esti
mated at 51,bUO,O00, which, with thc probable
unappropriated balance in the Treasury, on the
iJOth June next, will give, as the probable avail-
able means for that year, the sum of 03,238,
743 0'J.
It Las been deemed proper, in view of thc
large expenditures consequent upon the acqui
sition of territory from Mexico, that the esti
mates for the next fiscal year should be laid be
fore Congress in such manner as to distinguish
the expenditures so required from the otherwise
ordinary demands upon the Treasury.
The total expenditures for the next fiscal
year arc estimated at !s42,SL'2,2jy 10, of 'w hich
there is required for the ordinary purposes of
the Government, other than those consequent
upon the acquisition of our new Territories, and
deducting the payments on account of thc pub
lie debt, thc sum of 33,313, p.'c 08; and for
the purposes connected directly or indirectly
with those Territories, and iu the fulfilment of
the obligations of thc Govcrnmeut, contracted
in consequence of their acquisition, the sum of
y,5iy,iui 11.
if the views of the Secretary of the Treasury
in reference to the expenditures required for
these Territories inall be met by corresponding
action on the j.art of Congress, and appropria
tions made in accordance therewith, there will
be au estimated unappropriated lmlnuce iu the
Treasury on the GOth June, 1853, of 20,3GG,
443 UO, wherewith to meet that portion of the
public debt due on thc first July following,
amounting to G,237,U31 "5, as -well as any
appropriations which may be made beyond the
estimates.
. In thus referring to the estimated expenditures
on account of our newly-acquired Territories, 1
may express the hope that Congress will concur
with me iu the desire that a liberal course of
policy may be pursued toward them, and that
VBIII 8.-IIM 3.
every obligation, express or implied, entered In
to in consequence ol their atqu.-iil, n, elu.Il be
fulhiled by the most liberal ai pr priations fcr
that purpose.
The va'.ues of our domestic exports for the
last fiscal year, as compared with those of the
previous year, exhibit an increase of .j.43,r,if;,
322. At first view thi3 condition of our trade
with foreign nations wvuld seem to present the
most flatieriug Lopes of. its futuae prosperity.
An examiuotion of the detail of our experts,
however, will show that the increaeed value ol'
our exports for the last fiscal year is to be found
111 the high price of c tttou which prevailed du
ring the hrst haif of that pear, which price has
since declined about one-half.
The value if our exi crta of hre ndsti-fra .i
provisions, which it was tu rrved the incentive
01 u iow laiiu auu large importations from
abroad would have augmented, has fallen from
GS,7U1A;21, in 1847, to G.31,373 in 18-30
and to 2l,i4,u53 in ls51,with a strong probl
ability, amounting aln.Ost to a tertaiuty, .f u
still IurtLT reduction ia the current year.
TLe aggaegate values of rice extorted durir."
the last fiscal year, as compared with the pre
vious year, also exhibit a decrease amounting to
-lG0,yl7, which, with a decline in the values of
tobacco for the tstme period, make ju acre rebate
decrease in these two articles of Jjl;15i,"75L
The policy w Lich dictated a low rate of duties
on toreigu merchandise, it was thought by those
w ho promoted and estabdehed it, would tend to
beneht the farming population of this country,
by increasing the demand and raising the p.rile
of agricultural products in foreign markets.
The foregoing facts, however ceni to thow
incontcstibly that no such result has followed
the adoption of this policy. On the Contrary,
notwithstanding the rcj-eal of the restrictive
corn law s in England, the foreign demand for
the products of the American lurnur Las stea
dily declined, since the short crops and conse
quent famine in a j.oition of Europe have been
happily replaced by lull crops anu comparative
abundance of food.
It will be seen, by recurring to the commer
cial statistics lor the past yearthat the value of
our domestic exports has been increased in the
hingle item of raw cotton by 40,(HX,UW over
the value of that export for the year preceding.
This is not due to any increased gemral demand
for that article, but to the thort crop of thc
preceding year, which created an increased de
mand and ;in augmented price for the crop cf
last year. Should the cotton crop now g.
forwar I to market be only equal in quanta v to
tbat of the year preceding, and be told at" the
present prices, then there would be falling oil"
111 the value of our exports for the present fiscal
yeiir of at leait 10, OOO.OUO, compared w ith the
umouut exported for the vear cnduiir 30th June
lb-31. w '
The production of gold ia California for the
past year seems to promise a large supply of
the metal from that quarter for some tune to.
come. This large annual increase of the cur
rency of the world must be attended with its
usual results. These Lave been already par
tially e iscloscd in the enh'iuceinent of prices and
a rising spirit of speculation tnd advtntaxe,
tending to overtrading, as well at heme as
abroad. Unless Some salutary check shall Le
given to these tendencies, it is to be feaicd that
importations of foreign c.uods Levond a healthy
demand in this country will lead to a sudden
drain of the j.reclous metals from us, bringing
with it, as it has done in former times, the most
disastrous, consequences to the business and
capital of tho American people.
The exports of specie to liquidate our foreign
debt during the past fiscal year have been
2 l,2G3,y I y over the amount ol" specie imported
The exports, of specie during thc first quarter .t
the present fiscal year have been 514,051,827.
Should specie continue to be exported ut tliil
rate for tne remaining three quarters of this,
year, it will drain from our metallic currency
during the year ending 3o;h Juue, 1852, tho
enormous aii.ouiit of ."ii:c.tl)7 o
In thc p resent prosperous condition cf
the
national nuances, it will 1kh-i-.hu
of
Congress to Consider the best mode of rn.vit.Tr
th public debt. If the prese nt and anticipated
surplus in the Treasury should not be absorbed
by apq: ropriatious of au extraordinary character,
tins surp.lus should be employed iu such a way
and under such restrictions'! as Viis-vi-b
enact, iu txunguisuinjj the
the nation.
outstanding debt of
I3y reference to the act of Congress approved
Oth September, 18-30, it will bu t,ecn that, iu
consideration ol certain concessions by the State
of Texas, it is provided that the l nited States
'shall pay to the State of Texas the sum of ten
miliiens of dollars, in a stuck bearing live per
cent, interest, and redeemable at the end of
' fourteen years, the interest payable half vcarh ,
'at the Ireasury of the Uuited Staes."
In the same scctiou of the law it is further
provided "that no more than tve millions of
said stock shall be issued until the creditors if
the State holding bonds ajid other certificates
' of stock of Texas, J,r vfn-h dutit v iiNjnru
'ircr i-iciaUi pledged, shall first tile at the.
'Treasury of the lnited Suites releases ou all
'claims against the United States, for or ou ac
couut of said bonds or certificates, in such form
'as shall be prescribed by tbe Secretary of tho
Treasury, and approved by the President of
tho United States."
Tho form of release thus provided for has bec-i
prescribed by thc Secretary of the Treasury, and
approved. It Las been published in ail the
leading newspapers iu the commercial cities of
the United States, and all fersins holding claims
of the k:ud st eeined iu the forcgoim 1 rovtu
were required to file their releases (in the form
thus prescribed) in the Treasury ot thc United
Statvs, on or before the 1st day of October, 1851.
Although this pubHeafU-i has been continued
from the 25th day of March, 1S51, yet up to the
1st of October last comparatively "lew releases
had been filed by the creditors of Texas.
The autJioritit s of tin Stst .f .1 .v-
request ot the Secretary of thc Treasury,
fuiUished a schedule of the public debt of
. 0.0, l UiU
hav
that
fctatc created jTior to iier admissiou into the
Union, wiih a copy of the law s under w hich each
Class waa couuacicu.
1 have, from the documents furnished by tLe
State ot Texas, determined the classes of claims
which m my judgment fall within the rrovK, 113
ofthu act of Cw.gr of the Vth of September,
On U-ing officially informed of the acceptance
lylexaaol the proictK- confined
t
ir